by C. L. Stone
Julia scowled. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on these kids.”
“No, it’s not. Every member of my pack knows they have a responsibility to the group as a whole. In this case, their task is to have kids, it couldn’t be simpler.”
“I don’t want werebears to die out,” Ellie whispered; she was feeling the weight of his words.
“Ellie, Sweetheart, there’s no pressure for us to have kids. Should we want them down the road, then that’s great, but we are not going to pressure you into starting a family,” Dov said sweetly. He held her shoulders, making sure she looked into his eyes to see the truth there.
“Dov’s right, we’re not ready for all that either.” Mathin squeezed her hand with a smile.
“But what about our responsibility?” Ellie frowned, looking to Ran.
Torben guided her gaze back to him. “We can figure that out in the future, let’s just take things one step at a time.”
Ran sighed. “At least agree to think about it, if you aren’t willing to try now, at least prepare for the future. Ellie should see a doctor, make sure she’s healthy. Maybe start some vitamins…”
“That’s it. It’s time for you to leave.” Torben literally growled—like a bear.
“I just got back.” A rumble started in Ran’s chest.
“We’ll think about what you said, but you can’t keep pushing Ellie.” Mathin stood up, walked to the door and held it open.
“Fine, but remember what I said, Ellie. When you conceive, you need to come to us. Human doctors won’t be able to help you, but we will.” Ran walked out, and the group took a breath of relief.
Mathin sighed. “He’s a piece of work, no offense Torben.”
“None taken.” Torben watched his father’s truck drive off into the distance.
“Now that he’s gone, I think it’s time to celebrate an engagement!” Julia clapped her hands together. The corners of her eyes were still tight from stress, but her smile was truly a happy one.
“Agreed,” the guys chorused, unconcerned Julia had discovered their secret.
“Are you guys really okay with ignoring what Ran said?” Ellie twisted the ring on her finger.
“Yes.” Torben pulled her to her feet. “I’m sure we’ll want to have kids later, but we’re young. There’s plenty of time to worry about that down the road. Now, let’s just focus on making this work and completing the mating ceremony, can you do that?”
“I think so.” Ellie’s grin started small, but grew to fill her face.
“Good.” The guys were thrilled to finally have Ellie to themselves. With Ran gone, they could focus on enjoying their engagement and making Ellie feel comfortable with the fact that they were born shifters. She had always loved them as bears; now, she was learning to love them as werebears.
Julia baked a cake, and while it wasn’t anything as fancy as you’d find in a cake shop, it tasted a million times better. Julia was a genius in the kitchen. The same hands that sewed wounds and healed injured animals, baked one hell of a mean cake. Mathin suggested they put candles on it, but the others vetoed the idea since it seemed too over the top.
“Candles are for birthdays and graduations.” Dov grumbled, taking the wax sticks from Mathin’s hand and returning them to their proper place in the pantry.
Mathin stuck his tongue out at Dov’s back. “Buzz killer.”
“Children,” Torben said. Ellie smiled lazily as she watched them bicker, because the cake was divine, and she’d had two pieces. Of course, the guys ate twice as much. Dov’s slices were actually twice the size of Ellie’s, but he maintained he had more stomach to fill, and Ellie didn’t question him further.
7
Summer was moving steadily toward fall, and Ellie was becoming more nervous with every day that passed. While she was thrilled she would finally be able to kiss her bears, she was still dreading the final mating ceremony. Her mother never got the chance to talk to her about sex or about anything really. Ellie’s father tried, but Ellie wasn’t comfortable talking to him about it. She’d done the childish thing and covered her ears while singing at the top of her lungs until he gave up and walked away. Like most young adults, she knew the basics; she’d gotten all A’s in health, both in college and in high school. Knowing how things worked, didn’t tell her what to do or how it would feel.
Everything she read gave her conflicting information. It would feel wonderful; it would hurt like hell, leaving Ellie unsure what to feel besides nervousness. The date they set for the first ceremony was only three weeks before the end of summer, and while Ellie had little doubt when the second ceremony might occur, she chose to feign ignorance even to herself.
When the day of the first ceremony arrived, Ellie was excited, so she took two hours getting dressed. She curled the few hairs that refused to join the rest of her curly hair in tidy spirals. Her makeup was applied step by step with not only wear proof but waterproof styles. The last thing she wanted was to look like a raccoon if she got emotional or leave kiss marks all over her guys. Although, she wouldn’t deny there was merit to the idea of marking them as hers. The few times they’d been around other women, Elli had noticed the way the women stared at them, lust was clearly written on their faces. Ellie couldn’t help but glare at the women. Maybe if she covered her bears in lipstick, the homewreckers would keep their filthy eyes where they belonged—not on her men.
The ceremony would take place in a lovely meadow on Julia’s property; the boys hung white fabric around the trees, directed by Julia, of course. Twinkle lights were strung in and around the cloth since they’d decided to hold the ceremony at sunset.
“Hold that end a bit higher, Dov, yes, right there!” Julia eyeballed the cloth and decided it was perfect.
“Where should I put this table?” Torben held the solid wood piece like it was made of feathers.
“Sit it in the center there. We’ll use it as the altar.” Spinning around, Julia checked every detail with care. This would be an important night for Ellie, and she was determined to make it beautiful. The boys had written their vows to Ellie the night before, leaving Ellie to write hers while they decorated. She claimed she needed peace and quiet to think.
“Julia, would you mind looking over what I wrote?” Mathin poked a rumpled piece of paper timidly in her direction. “You know how impulsive I can be, and I really don’t want to mess this up.”
“Sure, Mathin, but I’m sure y’all’s vows are perfect, the point is just to say what’s in your heart.”
The sun made its slow descent as the ground seemed to hold its arms open wide to embrace it. The night felt ripe with magic. Ellie was guided to the meadow by Julia, where the guys waited for them dressed resplendently in dress pants and button up shirts—they drew the line at ties. Ellie’s dress was pure white, falling just above her knees. Her hair was swept off her neck and gathered high on her head where long curls floated down to rest on her back. The twinkle lights cast a pale glow and lit the smile on Ellie’s face. The guys felt breathless as they watched Julia guide Ellie to the center of the clearing.
Mathin stepped forward first with his vows in hand, and the wrinkled piece of paper clutched tight in his fist. “Ellie Ann Baldwin, from the moment I first saw you, I knew I wanted to be your friend forever. As we grew so did my feelings for you. The ring we placed on your finger is a symbol of our undying feelings. I will stand by you as my mate, protect you from all harm, and give you all the thrills in life you desire.” Mathin rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants, tucking his vows into his pocket. Closing the distance between them, he pressed his lips to Ellie’s in a sweet kiss. When he felt the softness of her lips, he let out a low moan. Moving his lips faster, he pressed the kiss deeper, until Torben cleared his throat.
“Sorry.” Mathin winked at Ellie as she blushed. He stepped back to join the other guys, and Torben stepped forward pulling his phone—where he’d written his vows—from his pocket.
“Ellie Ann Baldwin, you bring joy into my lif
e, you give me hope for my future. I hope to bring you love and stability through all your days. I promise to care for you on your good days and your bad. The ring we placed upon your finger is a symbol of our undying feelings. I love you, Ellie.” Torben pressed her tight against his frame. Deeply, he kissed her, but so slow and sweet that Ellie’s breath was stolen away; tears misted in her eyes as he stepped back.
Dov stepped forward. Unlike the others, he didn’t have anything to read from, as he’d memorized what he wanted to say. “The first time I saw you, I knew you were special, but I wasn’t sure how you’d fit into my life. It took me losing you to realize you are my life. Years without you were hard, but having you back in my arms erased all the hurt and pain I’ve ever felt. You heal me, you make me whole. The ring we placed upon your finger is a symbol of our love and undying feelings. I promise to hold your hand as carefully and lovingly as I hold your heart. I vow to keep you safe and happy for all my days. I vow to always be your bear.” Dov remained where he was, forcing Ellie to go to him. Surprise was written across her face as he swung her up into his arms. He held her tight against his chest, lowering her slightly until their mouths aligned. He devoured her sweet lips, making her moan softly against his.
Dov tangled their tongues and tasted her sweetness for as long as he could. When Ellie pulled away for air, Dov lowered her slowly. She felt each inch of him as she slid down along his body, his smile showing her he’d enjoyed the feel of her too. Julia’s misty eyes turned to ones of mirth as Mathin whistled. Dov slowly released her, making sure she was steady on her feet before he backed away. Ellie stood in front of her werebears trembling slightly.
“Mathin Zane Dieter, you always were the first to approach me. The first to love me, the first to hold me, and now the first to kiss me.” Ellie blushed, but pushed on. “You’ve given me so much. I vow to always return your love and affection and your enthusiasm.” Ellie turned to Torben. “My sweet peacemaker. Torben Wade Dieter, you center me when I’m feeling adrift. You love me unconditionally, but keep me pointed in the right direction. I vow to always try to be worthy of your love, to help you keep the peace, and to always be by your side when you are feeling adrift.” Finally, Ellie turned to Dov. “Dov Ryder Dieter, you spoke for me when you didn’t have a voice. You sheltered me when even I couldn’t defend myself. You’ve given me so much more than I deserve. In the silence you keep, I’m reminded that listening holds more importance than speaking. I vow to always heal your wounds, not just of the flesh, but of the heart. To be your voice when you can’t find one, to be your shelter when the world is too much for you.” Ellie returned to the center of the meadow facing all of her boys and said, “I, Ellie Ann Baldwin vow to keep the secrets of the werebears. I promise to hold your hearts close to mine and never go astray. I will never forsake you, never abandon you, and never leave you hurting. You three are my mates, now and always.” Ellie surprised the guys by pulling three rings from her pocket. They weren’t as fancy as the ring she wore on her finger, but they were symbols of her love bought with her own money.
“With these rings, I pledge my undying love.” Ellie placed the first ring on Mathin’s finger, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. Torben stuck his hand out to receive the second ring and his soft and tender kiss. Dov smirked as Ellie approached but held himself still. Ellie slowly slid the third ring on Dov’s finger, but jumped up to kiss his lips passionately. She liked to give as good as she got. Julia laughed and turned back to the house, giving the kids some privacy.
“Now, we’re official!” Ellie squealed as Dov swung her around in his arms.
“Let me hold her,” Mathin said quickly. Ellie was passed from one guy to the next, as hugs and kisses were showered on her.
Ellie beamed as they set her on her feet. “I’m so happy!”
“Good, let’s hope it stays that way.” Dov squeezed her hand.
“We’ll make sure it does.” Torben stood tall. Ellie laid down in the meadow and stared up at the stars. Mathin was quick to lie beside her.
“Beautiful aren’t they?”
“Beautiful is right.” Mathin sighed, but he wasn’t looking at the stars. He was staring at Ellie.
Torben sat at Ellie’s feet and leaned back to look up. Dov remained standing. He wondered if the others had noticed the shadow at the edge of the tree line and the faint scent in the air. Ran had stayed to watch the ceremony, but with a wave of his hand, he turned and disappeared into the night. Ellie grew sleepy, but attempted to cover her yawns. She wasn’t fooling her bears. Dov gently lifted her to her feet, but Torben took the honor of carrying her back to the house. When they reached the living room, the guys hovered around the couch, reluctant to walk away.
They’d spent the night pledging their love, so it was understandable they felt pulled to sleep beside their mate. Mathin tucked Ellie’s bedspread tight beneath her chin as Torben arranged her on the sleeper. Dov pulled his shirt over his head as he tossed his shoes, then sunk to the floor at Ellie’s feet. Julia wouldn’t object to them sleeping on the floor, but she might have balked at them sleeping beside her granddaughter before marriage or at least the mating ceremony. Torben followed suit while Mathin looked longingly at Ellie before reluctantly sliding onto the floor. Their bear natures would keep them warm without the need for blankets, but that wouldn’t ease the discomfort of a hard wood floor. Dov considered it testament to their love for Ellie.
The next morning, Ellie woke up to the sounds of snoring. Her sleep befuddled brain took a few minutes to recognize the sounds were coming from the floor beneath her. A smile graced her face as she watched Torben’s chest rise and fall with the sounds of his snores. Interesting. She would have thought Dov would have been the snorer. Pulling off her blanket, she arranged it the best she could over all three guys; Mathin’s body was only half covered, but he snoozed contently regardless. Ellie walked away on her tiptoes. She poured herself a cup of coffee and joined her grandmother at the kitchen table.
“They’re still sleeping,” Ellie whispered.
“Let’s head out to the porch swing,” Julia said in soft tones. Ellie nodded, and they drifted soundlessly through the backdoor. They didn’t chance walking around the boys without waking them, so they walked around the house on the outside. Julia pulled a blanket from a box at the side of the porch and wrapped it around them as they settled on the swing.
“The air’s gettin’ cooler, it won’t be long till fall arrives.” Julia sipped her coffee thoughtfully.
“True. Maw-Maw, I’m so confused. I’m supposed to go back to college in a couple weeks, but how can I? I think it would break my heart to leave them now.”
“There’s gonna be times in life where you have to be apart…but, if this is somethin’ that you can’t bear, then you’ll have to find another way.”
Ellie squeezed her eyes tight. “You mean go to college here, but how? Daddy will never agree to it.”
Julia sighed. “Let me talk to him. I’ve been keepin’ quiet for years now, but it’s time I say my peace.”
“Really Maw-Maw? That would be great!”
“Shhh…don’t wake the bears.” Julia chuckled.
“You mean my bears.” Ellie grinned smartly.
“Yes, your bears.” Julia patted Ellie’s knee.
Dov and Mathin poked their heads out twenty minutes later. Mathin had Ellie’s blanket wrapped around his shoulders.
“Did you leave Torben anything to sleep with?” Ellie sent a frosty look at Mathin.
“Nope,” Dov said.
Mathin snickered. “He snores like the devil, he’ll sleep just fine.”
“Really guys…” Ellie rolled her eyes.
“It’s fine. I shoved a pillow under his head, and he didn’t stop snoring.” Mathin crossed his arms, and kicked out a foot.
“Okay…” Ellie scooted over on the swing so one of the boys could join them.
Julia stood. “I’ll let you boys take over. I’ve got to get ready for work.”
&nbs
p; “Thanks,” Dov said, plopping down on the other side of Ellie. Sandwiched between two of her guys, Ellie couldn’t think of a better way to start the day. Or rather, a better PG way. Dov rested his arm on the back of the swing while Mathin bent and contorted so he could lay his head on Ellie’s shoulder. Content snuggling against her, he promptly fell asleep.
“I wanted to tell you guys something…” Ellie whispered.
“What’s that?” Dov signed.
“You’re forgiven.” She blushed. Dov didn’t care to respond with words; he leaned around to Ellie’s front and kissed her full on the mouth. Nudging her lips with his tongue, he sought out the sweet taste of her mouth. A groan escaped from deep in his chest. He wanted to pull Ellie on his lap, but the movement would wake Mathin and spoil their stolen moment. Instead, he simply held her head in his hands as he ravaged her; Ellie’s head spun with the intensity of his kiss. Her legs turned to jelly and she was grateful for the swing securely beneath her. Longing to touch him, Ellie slid her hands to his chest. Feeling the tight muscles coiled beneath her finger tips, she groaned.
“Be still Ellie, I won’t be able to hold back if you keep touching me like that,” Dov whispered. Ellie looked down to see her hands fisted in his shirt, pressing tight to his chest.
“Sorr—”
Her words were swallowed as Dov reclaimed her lips. He licked the seam between them, biting the soft pout of the bottom swell.
“Dov…” She moaned.
“I know baby, be still.” He pressed soft kisses along her jaw, as she squirmed trying to get closer.
Mathin’s head popped up, and the moment was stolen. “What did I miss?” He rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
